Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition that leads to intense itching and inflammation, redness, and scaling wherever on your body that it is located. Anyone can get eczema, no matter the age that you are. It is important to use the right soaps and lotions when you have this disease in order to not irritate it further. In order to avoid further irritation with your eczema, try to avoid using the soaps that are found in the list below:

1. Soaps with cocamidopropyl betaine

You may remember when everyone talked about how great coconut oil is for your health and how great it is for your skin. The cocamidopropyl betaine that is found in coconut oil-based products, however, can lead to dry skin and to irritation. If you notice eczema growth on your hands, mouth or head, you may want to check your soap that contains coconut oil and try something else.

2. Soaps with propylene glycol

The American Contact Dermatitis Society has actually labeled propylene glycol as the top allergen, in the year 2018. It is great for moisturizing, but it can make your skin burn and hurt, even for individuals who do not have this painful condition. Even eczema “safe” products have propylene glycol in them, so be sure to check the ingredients of your soaps and throw any with this allergen away.

3. Antibacterial soaps

Antibacterial soap might be all of the rage right now due to the pandemic and its ability to get rid of bacteria. However, this soap will drastically dry your skin out, and the more you use it, the more likely you are to develop rashes like eczema. If you work in a profession that requires this type of soap, like healthcare, you may notice eczema build on your hands as well.

4. Fragrant soaps

If you use a soap that has a fragrance, it can make you smell wonderful! Many individuals with eczema actually receive their rashes from the fragrances that they put on their skin, which is not good. The NEA does not even approve any soaps that contain fragrances anymore due to the harm that they can cause to your skin.

5. Soaps containing methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone

MCI and Mi are both used as preservatives in a variety of different soaps. They are not great for the health of your skin, however, the ingredients by themselves can lead to itchiness and redness even if you do not have eczema. If you notice that your irritation is worse after using a new soap, check the ingredients and look out for either of these preservatives.

6. Soaps with botanical oils

Soaps with botanical oils are also those saps that have the strongest fragrances, despite the fact that the fragrances are natural. Natural ingredients such as vanilla, almond oil, and rose oil can lead to skin irritation or eczema if your soap contains them. If you think about it, these are three of the most popular natural scents, so this is something you definitely need to look out for.

One of the best ways to avoid eczema and to take care of it is to use the right soaps. Avoid those above and look for unscented soaps that do not have preservatives or other added ingredients.